Dr Rasheed Dramani, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Parliamentary Affairs, has issued a stark warning regarding the seriousness of allegations against Afenyo-Markin, Member of Minority Leader in Parliament. Dramani underscored the urgent need for Parliament to thoroughly investigate these claims, emphasizing that inaction risks deepening public mistrust and undermining the institution’s credibility.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Dramani stated that his concern wasn’t solely focused on Afenyo-Markin, but rather the office he occupies and its pivotal role in parliamentary accountability, particularly within a supermajority government. He stressed that the focus must shift from the individual to the office itself, highlighting its importance in ensuring parliamentary accountability.
“I was very worried not about Afenyo-Markin, but as Inusah Fuseini said, about that office, particularly at a time when we have a supermajority parliament,” Dramani explained. “The controversy has escalated into a legal confrontation, while the Office of the Special Prosecutor is conducting a preliminary assessment of related allegations to determine whether to open a full-scale investigation.”
He pointed to the recent GoldBod incident, where Sammy Gyamfi alleged that Afenyo-Markin was an ‘extortionist,’ triggering a significant response from the Minority Leader. Dramani acknowledged the political context, noting that partisan solidarity often overrides accountability, leading to caucuses rallying behind alleged MPs without a full examination of the substance of the allegations.
The dispute has escalated, with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) holding approximately 31 public hearings in 2024 and making over 1,000 recommendations for resource recovery. Dramani questioned whether Parliament applies the same scrutiny to itself as it does to the Executive, emphasizing that investigations into members’ conduct must proceed through a defined process, including a clear path from allegation to resolution.
He proposed a committee comprised of MPs and eminent Ghanaians to establish this process, suggesting a dedicated investigative body to ensure a definitive outcome. Dramani stated that for the first time, Parliament should have a committee that isn’t solely composed of MPs, aiming to improve its image in the public eye, and to address the issue effectively.
Furthermore, Dramani highlighted the potential cost of investigating fellow MPs, stating that this creates a challenge, and he encouraged Parliament to explore alternative approaches, such as inviting an external investigative body to conduct a thorough assessment. The allegations have sparked a debate regarding the balance between holding members accountable and preserving the integrity of the parliamentary process, a crucial consideration for maintaining public confidence in Parliament.”
This situation reflects a historical pattern of allegations involving Parliament, often with limited resolution. Dramani expressed hope that the recent decision to take Afenyo-Markin’s allegations seriously could lead to a more comprehensive approach, ensuring a clear path to resolution and, if necessary, appropriate sanctions. The focus on ensuring transparency and accountability is paramount as the investigation continues.”
Source: Adom Online
